May I take Wellbutrin XL (150/day) while I have major abdominal surgery (Crohns)? I won't be able to

... swallow any pills for 3-5 days? Any contraindications with the anesthesia? I am off the grid on the anti-depressant so as not to be in my medical records. Yes, prescribed to me by a psych but pay cash not use my insurance

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Anonymous24 Nov 2012

Hello MightyStrong, & welcome to the site. It is VERY important that you tell your medical personell that you are on Wellbutrin XL. Since this medication will still be in your system when you have surgery, it is very important the the anestsiologist know this pertinet info. Swallow your pride & be up front with these doctors. Taking an antidepressant is nothing to be ashamed of if this is the problem You are treating a medical condition no less important than treating diabetes or any other medical condtion. For your own safety, please give this info to the hospital personell that take you intake records before your surgery. This drug mixed with other certain drugs (some pain relievers which you certainly will be given) can cause seizures. PLEASE discuss this with the doctor. I am giving you a link to read about this below. Wishing you the best... https://www.drugs.com/mtm/wellbutrin-xl.html

When they ask you what meds you are on, you need to tell the anesthesiologist because it can make a difference in your surgery. He can't tell anyone and medical records are confidential. I have no idea why you are hiding this, but no one is going to shout it from the rooftops and point fingers, but if you don't tell, you could end up in danger. Many of us here take antidepressents and are not ashamed of it.

You need to let the attending surgeon and anesthesiologist know ALL medication you take regardless of where or who pays for them, you or insurance. You have every right to not use insurnace to pay for your psychiatrist and meds from him, but they are still important to your medical history and well being. You can't just stop the Wellbutrin abruptly without having symptoms which they need to be aware of this. If you don't tell them, they will not know the source of these potential discontinuation symptoms and may mistake them for something else.

Well it is easy to see that I really do not need to add any more except yes they are absolutely correct the above answers. A lot of good people are here with many of the same conditions that you and every body who asks has. I hope you had a good Thanksgiving I had to take care of our dogs but we had a good time. So yes please tell your anesthesiologists. Just before you go to have the surgery. They may need to make adjustments for you and they will not say a peep.Have a Happy Holidays!